Price Guide for 1896 Dime Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1896 Dime variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
1896 Dime (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 - $317.00Uncirculated: $3.25 - $14,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 - $367.00Uncirculated: $49.51 - $595.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $7.00 - $315.00Uncirculated: $340.00 - $8,000.00
1896 Dime (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 - $1,725.00Uncirculated: $3.10 - $8,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $220.50Uncirculated: $331.00 - $649.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 - $275.00Uncirculated: $345.00 - $6,000.00
1896-S Dime (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $20.00 - $1,020.00Uncirculated: $9.00 - $19,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 - $1,575.00Uncirculated: $815.00 - $1,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 - $1,275.00Uncirculated: $1,350.00 - $13,500.00
1896 Dime, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,200.00 - $1,425.28Uncirculated: $346.00 - $15,275.00
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eBayUncirculated: $288.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $375.00 - $24,500.00
1896 Dime, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,116.18Uncirculated: $920.00 - $9,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,025.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 - $30,000.00
1896-O Dime (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.00 - $3,290.00Uncirculated: $7.35 - $20,562.50
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 - $1,295.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 - $2,200.00Uncirculated: $2,300.00 - $35,000.00
1896 Dime, PL (Regular Strike)
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eBayCirculated: $18.50 - $244.50Uncirculated: $157.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 - $6,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1896 Dime
The 1896 Barber Dime was part of the Barber coinage series, which began in 1892 and continued until 1916. Named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, this series replaced the long-running Seated Liberty design. The Barber Dime was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Panic of 1893, reflecting the nation's gradual return to prosperity.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Barber), designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Wreath with denomination, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1896 Barber Dimes significantly impacts their value, particularly for the scarcer San Francisco mint coins. Uncirculated examples are highly sought after, with premium prices for coins grading MS65 or higher. For circulated coins, the presence of a full LIBERTY on the headband can command higher prices.
Strike quality varies among mint locations, with San Francisco often producing sharper strikes. Original mint luster and attractive, natural toning can greatly enhance a coin's desirability and value.
Mintage: 10,778,532
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, typical for non-key date Barber Dimes
Mintage: 1,460,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, due to lower mintage
Mintage: 575,056
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Rarity in high grades is a crucial factor for 1896 Barber Dimes, especially for the San Francisco mint. The 1896-S is considered a semi-key date due to its low mintage, making it particularly valuable in higher grades.
Collectors also prize examples with strong, fully struck details, particularly on Liberty's head and the reverse wreath. The presence of original mint luster and attractive toning can significantly increase a coin's appeal and value, especially for the more common Philadelphia and New Orleans issues.
As with all Barber coinage, provenance from famous collections can add a premium to the coin's value, particularly for high-grade or rare examples.
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